About Glass Tile

ssr · Guest

hi, I would like to use Sicis iridescent glass tile throughout my entire backsplash - behind cooktop, sink and under cabinets. What are the maintanence issues: I cook Asian food? Are there special cleaners?
Would lighter colors show grease stains more than darker ones?

also, the installation methods seem very complex (to me) Would my contractor have to go through all the steps : using anti-fracture membrane etc. for backsplashes too?

thanks,
ssr

John D · Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 6 Location: Bowen Island BC

Hi ssr,
There are usually very few maintenance issues with glass - manufacturers often suggest just soap and water. Now grease is another issue, a manufacturer should answer that. What does Sicis say?

Glass wont budge, if the tiles are small, but small shifts in the substrate may be translated into the grout line safely. But larger tiles are at risk even when there are small movements underneath. Sicis is a name brand, the membrane will amount to a fraction of the cost of the overall project. We suggest it won't hurt and yes, it's probably worth the trouble. The Manufacturer should give recommmendations and then be accountable if these instructions result in failure, so it's probably worth talking to them about it. At any rate, if Sicis do not call for a membrane, but for availability or other reasons, you cant follow their instructions to a T, then you'll have to make a call. We find membranes are a security measure well worth taking with no really significant downside.
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John

Guest · Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 9:19 pm Post subject:

Hi SSR

First of all we would like to apologize for making the installation instructions for glass tiles appear complicated. They really aren't that bad, just a bit different from ceramic tiles.

The reason we get into detailed instructions is that many experienced installers assume that installing glass tile is the same as installing ceramic tile, and sometimes the differences get them in trouble. We are trying to prevent a problem and come across as complicated... Sorry.

Anti fracture membranes are just a way to reduce the potential for failure. For sure if the installation is of a small tile over a very stable surface, the membrane can be eliminated. But you are paying quite a bit for the tile and the cost of the membrane is very small by comparison - so why take the chance? You also get the benefit of waterproofing the wall...

As for maintenance, you will find glass one of the easiest products to maintain because it is virtually impervious to grease and other food residue. That means that anything that hits the surface stays right there instead of getting absorbed into the tile. Glass tile is easy to clean, so that water and soap or water and vinegar do a great job at removing surface grease.

Unfortunately the same cannot be said of grout. Traditional grout made of sand and cement is often porous, particularly if improperly installed. Proper curing methods, latex additives or even epoxy resins are great at improving grout finishes. Grout sealers installed after the 28-day cure time also increase the resistance to grease. Please refer to the article on grout: http://www.aboutglasstile.com/en/articles/grouts.html

Again we hope not to have scared you with too much detail.

Kim

ssr · Guest

Thank you so much for your input.

John, I will talk to my contractor about using the anti-fracture membrane.

Kim, my comment on the complexity of installation instructions does not in any way reflect on the information offered at this site. The website is very well designed with useful information... it is just that as a novice, it is difficult for me to grasp all the aspects involved. But I sure am learning!

thanks
ssr